If you could bottle the talent of VBS Poynton Brass Band like they bottle the waters of Buxton, it would have to be a mighty big bottle!! As the Band proved when they performed at Buxton Pavillion Gardens on a sunny Sunday afternoon (20th July).

The Gardens were sporting their newly refurbished paths and seating areas around the bandstand to ensure that all could enjoy and enjoy they did.

The Band set off with a spectacular delivery of Festive Overture to set the mood for a dazzling afternoon.

Regular supporters of VBS Poynton will be used to a delightful programme of arrangements, but even they had a few surprises in store for them.

After settling the crowds down with a soothing delivery of Gabriel’s Oboe, Sarah Dawson (Solo Euphonium) and Tony Wyatt (Principle Cornet) teamed up to deliver a duet arrangement of “Somethin’ Stupid” by Parks (arranged by D Beal). “And the crowd went wild” says only half of it, there were certainly a few pacemakers skipping a beat with the excitement.

Whilst the crowds tried to contain themselves and the queue for the ice creams grew ever longer, the Band played on leading up to the premiere performance of Gareth Edwards (aka Ned), Soprano Solo, “The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face”. Nerves certainly didn’t get the better of Ned as he expertly delivered his solo in fine style – well done Ned, we’re sure it’s the first of many!

Not to be out done Sarah Johnson took on a new role in the band as Vocalist as she sang along to Sting’s, “Fields of Gold” arranged by VBS Poynton’s own Lucy Pankhurst (Solo Horn), which sent many an OAP into a tantric state.

The first half finished off with the stunning Gaelforce by Peter Graham followed by a stampede through the crowds as the Band ran to the ice cream stall.

Some Band members have obviously heard Knight Templar one too many times and as the band opened the second half, a missing front row cornet player decided to give Knight Templar the cold shoulder. A search party was duly despatched and Steve Miles thankfully took up his seat for Hello Dolly, which the Bass section expertly sang along to – very tuneful chaps well done!

A hop, skip and a jump through Carnival of Venice and the French Military March led us to the Horn Sections delivery of Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy arranged by Peter Cookson (Cookie, front row cornet) who couldn’t be with us on Sunday, I’m sure he would be very proud of Sarah, Lucy, Jenny and Hazel’s performance.

The Band introduced more new pieces to their repertoire Dance of The Comedians, arranged by Roy Newsome, it’s a lively piece with key elements delivered by each section of the Band and Crimond a melodic hymn arranged by Peter Graham, some say this is a take on the test piece Resurgam, which the band will be playing at the Pontins Contest later in the year.

The final solo of the day was to be delivered by Buxton’s own Marcus Jones (Eb Bass), who played “The Sun Has Got His Hat On”, who knew a Bass could be played that high!!

The last piece of the afternoon was the memorable “You’ll Never Walk Alone” and the swaying was almost synchronized!

To abate the crowds Martin agreed to an encore and the Band exploded with “Orpheus in the Underworld”, otherwise known as the Can Can. The crowd were certainly given their money's worth and the ice cream stall made a fortune.

A few words of thanks to a number of ‘deps’ who helped out VBS Poynton due to holidays etc. Stephen Booth, on Solo Baritone; Steve Miles (Mossley), Michelle Burrow (Tintwistle) and Dave Richardson (Glossop) on front row Cornet; and the Conductor for Burbage Brass Band, Steve Critchlow on 3rd Cornet. Many thanks to all!

Karen Howe, July 2003